Hi Lewinskih
I have been doing a bit of research on this DAC. Yesterday I e-mailed Cees Ruijtenberg the designer. Lead time is 8-10 weeks. The review in 6 moons conveys a real sense of the characteristics of this DAC which in many ways seems similar to the Havana, reading between the lines. I do expect however that it may be a bit more resolving but I'm not sure of Sarajan's experience with NOS dacs as the unfatiguing nature of this 16-24 bit approach without the upsampling/oversampling seems intrinsic. The problem with the Oppo and W4S is precisely the fact that at times they DO bring attention to what they ARE and NOT doing rather than keeping me relaxed and simply enjoying the music as the Havana is so completely able to do. There is a softer texture without leading edges becoming overemphasised yet it IS resolving, a simple design approach, less is more. The differences at times are subtle but over time they affect the overall listening experience and enjoyment factor. Having said that, I do recognize the things that the ESS Saber chip is bringing to the table, the ambient information and low level detail in particular and it sure would be nice to find a budget product that does both which it seems the Metrum might be the one. Preferences for any of these budget DACs/CD players are going to be contingent on system balance and listening preferences more than any one being a standout performer across the board at this price point. I am going to hold back a bit on the Metrum until I get further impressions from other opinions I respect including Charles1dad but I sure am tempted! I am hoping the Eastern Electric, expected this coming week, will fill in the gap and maybe even "blow me away". In the meantime I am quite happy with the Havana as it is the first digital device I have ever owned that I can listen to and relax in the same manner as vinyl yet clearly recognizing the differences.
I have been doing a bit of research on this DAC. Yesterday I e-mailed Cees Ruijtenberg the designer. Lead time is 8-10 weeks. The review in 6 moons conveys a real sense of the characteristics of this DAC which in many ways seems similar to the Havana, reading between the lines. I do expect however that it may be a bit more resolving but I'm not sure of Sarajan's experience with NOS dacs as the unfatiguing nature of this 16-24 bit approach without the upsampling/oversampling seems intrinsic. The problem with the Oppo and W4S is precisely the fact that at times they DO bring attention to what they ARE and NOT doing rather than keeping me relaxed and simply enjoying the music as the Havana is so completely able to do. There is a softer texture without leading edges becoming overemphasised yet it IS resolving, a simple design approach, less is more. The differences at times are subtle but over time they affect the overall listening experience and enjoyment factor. Having said that, I do recognize the things that the ESS Saber chip is bringing to the table, the ambient information and low level detail in particular and it sure would be nice to find a budget product that does both which it seems the Metrum might be the one. Preferences for any of these budget DACs/CD players are going to be contingent on system balance and listening preferences more than any one being a standout performer across the board at this price point. I am going to hold back a bit on the Metrum until I get further impressions from other opinions I respect including Charles1dad but I sure am tempted! I am hoping the Eastern Electric, expected this coming week, will fill in the gap and maybe even "blow me away". In the meantime I am quite happy with the Havana as it is the first digital device I have ever owned that I can listen to and relax in the same manner as vinyl yet clearly recognizing the differences.